Sundance 2024

In Black Box Diaries, Shiori Itō embarks on a harrowing journey to investigate her own sexual assault by Noriyuki Yamaguchi, an influential journalist with deep government connections. As an investigative journalist herself, Itō faces an uphill battle against a system eager to dismiss her claims. Her fight is not only for justice but also against the deeply ingrained cultural apathy toward sexual violence in Japan.

What makes this documentary so gripping is how Itō handles her own case, often examining the facts with the detached precision of a journalist while grappling with the personal weight of her trauma. At times, she treats her story like any other investigation, sifting through details with calm deliberation. But the moments when the gravity of her ordeal catches up with her—when the emotions break through—are devastating. It's in these scenes that the film really shines, making Itō's personal struggle resonate with viewers on an intimate level.

The film's parallels to To Kill a Tiger, an Oscar-nominated documentary, are hard to miss. Both films expose the ways that cultural and legal systems around the world still fail victims of sexual violence. They highlight the sheer persistence and courage needed to seek justice in a world that remains indifferent—or, worse, hostile—to victims of assault. These films are a searing reminder of how much work remains to be done.

One of the most emotionally charged moments comes when Itō speaks to the one person she believes is on her side: a police investigator who, though removed from her case, has been quietly feeding her inside information. However, in a late-night conversation, he drunkenly makes a pass at her. The look on Itō's face—her shock, her disgust, heroverwhelming sense of betrayal—is heartbreaking. It's a gut punch not only to her but to the audience, who, by this point, has invested in the idea that there might be one shred of decency in the people surrounding her. The moment underlines the isolating reality that even those who appear to be allies can fail you in ways you don't expect.

What Black Box Diaries ultimately does is shine a light on a system that is broken, not just in Japan but globally. Itō'sfight for justice and dignity is a fight that resonates well beyond her own experience, and the film reminds us of the devastating emotional cost that comes with being denied both. There's a quiet power in Itō's determination and resilience, but the film leaves us with a clear message: reform is needed, and needed urgently.

— 4 / 5 ⭐